Trump exempts Russia from a new set of sanctions approved by the United States Congress

Trump exempts Russia from a new batch of sanctions approved by Congress October 17, 2026 President Donald Trump of the United States exempted Russia from the application of important sanctions and tariffs this Friday (10/16/2026), just days before they would take effect according to a law he himself enacted last month and which was approved by Congress. The measure covers both tariffs on Russian products and penalties for purchasing oil and gas from that country. In an executive order published by the White House on Friday night, Trump indicated that this exemption is in response to the national interests of the United States. The law aims to increase pressure on Russia due to its invasion of Ukraine, which began in 2022. However, Trump has shown an increasingly closer stance toward Russia and has publicly criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, even suggesting that Kyiv needs a new leader. The Lindsey O. Graham Act The legislation, whose main proponent in Congress was the deceased Senator Lindsey Graham—a Republican from South Carolina—would have imposed tariffs of up to 100% within 30 days on all products imported into the United States from the five largest buyers of Russian crude oil or gas. Likewise, the measure would have affected any country that knowingly acquired oil or gas 30 days after the enactment of the law, or that was among the five main countries that help Russia evade sanctions. The order establishes that the exemption will remain in effect until Trump or his senior officials determine that "it is appropriate to take additional measures." In mid-September, Trump enacted the "Lindsey O. Graham Sanctions Act against Russia and Iran of 2026." "I have presented Congress with a certification that the granting of this exemption, at this time, responds to the national interests of the United States," Trump stated in the order. Criticisms from China and India Countries such as China and India, which are among the largest buyers of Russian oil, have expressed concern regarding the sanctions law against Russia. Beijing has stated that it "systematically opposes the extraterritorial application of laws that lack a basis in international law," while India warned Washington that the new tariffs could affect bilateral relations. The law authorizes the president to exempt from sanctions by informing Congress that, in his judgment, such sanctions do not serve the national interest. Senator Accuses Trump of "Capitulating" before Putin American Congressman Don Beyer, a Democrat from Virginia, attacked Trump for this exemption, stating that he is yielding to the Russian president, Vladimir Putin. "This new capitulation by Trump to Putin once again betrays our Ukrainian partners and defies the clear intention of Congress in approving legislation designed to punish Russia for its illegal act of aggression," declared Beyer. Trump has also been the subject of criticism from several American senators—including some Republicans—following a recent deal on diesel with Russia, in which Trump agreed to lift sanctions on Russian exports in exchange for Russia supplying diesel to global markets, with the aim of reducing fuel prices. The legislators who criticized the deal pointed out that it would contribute to financing Russia's war effort. Previous Sanctions Are Not Eliminated The decision this Friday does not eliminate the sanctions that the United States had already imposed on Russia through previous executive orders. Trump announced on October 9 that he had agreed with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, to supply diesel for international markets, with the aim of alleviating energy and fuel prices. The Republican president stated that Russia would initially deliver more than 300,000 tons of fuel and would subsequently supply additional quantities, partly conditioned on the state of its refineries. The agreement has drawn criticism from legislators of both parties, who question its possible effects on economic pressure against Moscow and its compatibility with U.S. legislation. Detractors warn that the revenues derived from the sale of Russian fuel could contribute to financing the war against Ukraine, while the Administration defends the need to contain energy costs. jc (reuters, efe, afp, dpa, ap) Do not let the algorithm hide the news. If you trust this site for reliable information, please take a moment to select us as your preferred source on Google: click here and check the box or press the DW.com button to always see our verified news according to your preferences.